MARK Lynch has spelled out the importance of Sir Alex Ferguson's policy of giving youth its head in irrelevant matches.

The United boss has come in for some flak for playing weakened teams in the early stages of the Worthington Cup and in inconsequential Champions League matches this season.

But Lynch says that the glimmer of hope that Fergie's policy gives to up-and-coming kids is vital to their development.

The 21-year-old Mancunian became the latest beneficiary on Tuesday night, when he made his first team bow in the 2-0 defeat by Deportivo la Coruna in the Riazor Stadium.

And, despite scoring an unfortunate own goal, Lynch said the experience, against a top Spanish side, was one he and other young starters like Lee Roche, Danny Pugh, Darren Fletcher and Danny Webber will never forget.

And it is not only the players on the fringes of the first-team squad that benefit.

Younger players, like those in tomorrow's (Saturday) FA Youth Cup semi-final first leg at Charlton, will be encouraged by the manager's policy.

Ryan Giggs said recently that he felt for the youngsters coming up through the ranks these days.

Difficult

With so many established international stars ahead of them in the pecking order, it has become even harder for kids to break into the first team these days, he said.

But seeing players who have worked hard in the reserves then being given their chance in the fabulous surroundings of the Riazor is a huge incentive according to Lynch.

He said: "Lads this season like Kieran Richardson and Danny Pugh, and then Darren Fletcher in the last two games, have pushed on really well, so you can look at that and take a lot of positives out of it, knowing those lads have done well in those games.

"That has been the carrot for the last couple of reserve games. The manager has put lads into the first team after the reserve games.

"So we knew there was a chance, that places were up for grabs and that we were playing for those places. You have to make the step up from the reserve team performances I have been putting in.

"I have to take it up to the next level and felt I did that against Depor, and that the other lads did well too."

Now Lynch is treasuring the experience as he returns to the Old Trafford shadows to continue his football education.

He said: "The biggest difference to what I am used to was the way Depor kept the ball - we struggled to get it back.

"It was a great occasion in a nice stadium, on a useful pitch. It's a pity we couldn't get the win, but it was a great night for all of us.

"I found out I was playing the evening before during training and have been buzzing ever since.

I was waking up every hour or so that night, but it was brilliant to find out I was actually playing.

""The experienced players like Giggsy, Butty, Phil Neville and Laurent at the back helped us through the game."